Devices for conveying and labelling containers and method for connecting a labelling unit to a conveyor unit

ABSTRACT

A device having a conveyance device for conveying containers, to which at least one labeling unit for containers may be connected, wherein at least identification data of the labeling unit can be transmitted to the conveyance device. In addition, a device having a labeling unit for labeling containers, which can be connected to a conveyance device for conveying the containers, wherein at least identification data of the labeling device can be transmitted to the conveyance device. In addition, a corresponding device having a conveyance device and a labeling unit. Also, a method for connecting a labeling unit for labeling containers, in particular bottles, to a conveyance device for conveying the containers, wherein at least identification data is transmitted from the labeling unit to the conveyance device.

This invention relates to a device having a conveyance device forconveying containers, in particular bottles, to which at least onelabeling unit for containers may be connected. In addition, thisinvention relates to a device having a labeling unit for labelingcontainers, in particular bottles, that can be connected to a conveyancedevice for conveying containers. In addition, this invention relates toa device having a conveyance device for conveying containers, inparticular bottles, and a labeling unit connectable thereto for labelingcontainers. Morever, this invention relates to a method for connecting alabeling unit for labeling containers to a conveyance device forconveying the containers.

WO 03/024861 A1 and DE 197 41 476 A1 describe labeling machines. Withthese labeling machines, bottles are conveyed on a circular segment pathon a carousel. A conveyance device is provided for this purpose.Labeling units may be connected to the outside of the conveyance device.

Several different labeling units are provided here for the variouslabeling methods, such as labeling with self-stick labels, labeling withhot glue, labeling with cold glue, etc.

In this way it is possible to apply different labels to different typesof bottles using one and the same central conveyance device. It is alsopossible to apply different types of labels to one and the same bottle,e.g., a front label and a neck label or the like.

Due to the modular design of the labeling machines, it is also possibleto provide different labeling methods for different products, because bysimply replacing a labeling unit, a different type of label may beapplied in a different labeling method.

The labeling unit as well as the conveyance device each have their owncontrol equipment for controlling the respective conveyance sequences.

When the labeling unit is changed, the respective controls are switchedto the desired labeling mode.

The object of the present invention is to facilitate the replacement oflabeling units.

This object is achieved by one of the devices according to one of theClaims 1 through 3 and by a method according to Claim 10. Preferredembodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. The labeling unit hasidentification data which identifies the labeling unit. This may be, forexample, a so-called electronic nameplate, which includes, for example,the type of machine, the commission number, the software version numberor the like.

The conveyance device and the labeling unit are designed so that theidentification data on the labeling unit can be transmitted to theconveyance device.

Thus at least a portion of the required configuration of the conveyancedevice and the labeling unit can be accomplished automatically when thelabeling unit is replaced.

In an advantageous embodiment, the conveyance device and the labelingunit are designed so that address information can be transmitted fromthe conveyance device to the labeling unit. The address information ispreferably an IP (Internet Protocol) address. This may also beaccomplished before the transfer of the identification data. Inprinciple, in an alternative embodiment it is also possible to enter theaddress information by hand into the labeling unit. However, automatictransfer is more convenient.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyance device has a memory forstoring multiple items of address information, which can be transferredso that multiple labeling units may also be connected, each of which canbe addressed by a separate address.

In another advantageous embodiment, the identification data and theaddress information is transferred via various transfer devices. Forexample, the identification data may be transferred via a local networksuch as an Ethernet, Internet, Internet, etc. whereas the addressinformation may be transferred via a proprietary connection between thelabeling unit and the conveyance device. The proprietary connection mayuse its own special data protocol.

In an advantageous embodiment, the labeling unit also has a memory foradjustable address information. The address information transferred fromthe conveyance device may be stored here and then subsequently thecommunication with the conveyance device or other network users can beaccomplished via this address.

For example, it is advantageous in particular if the conveyance devicecan be connectable to the Internet, so that the labeling unit can alsobe addressed over the Internet. This is advantageous in particular inthe case of remote diagnosis and remote configuration or, for example,software updates for the labeling unit, etc.

In the method for connecting a labeling unit to a conveyance device, atleast identification data is transmitted from the labeling unit to theconveyance device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, before the identificationdata is transferred, address information is transferred from theconveyance device to the labeling unit. This has the advantage thatcommunication can take place between the conveyance device and thelabeling unit with this address information (network address).

In another advantageous embodiment, the identification data and theaddress information is transferred via different connection devices.This has the advantage that the address information can be transmittedvia a relatively simple transmission device so that it is possible tocommunicate via a high-power connection with this address information.

After transferring the identification data, in a preferred embodiment,any data, instructions, synchronization data, information about themachine state, information about the label supply, glue supply, etc.,commands, software, program modules or the like can be transmittedbetween the conveyance device and the labeling unit and/or in theopposite direction.

Advantageous embodiments of the devices and the method will now beexplained on the basis of the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a labeling machine having acentrally located conveyance device and three labeling units,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the connection between theconveyance device and the labeling units,

FIG. 3 shows various states in the process sequence.

FIG. 1 shows a modular labeling machine. The labeling machine includes acentral conveyance device 2 with which bottles 1 can be conveyed. Thebottles 1 enter from the left and can be transferred via a first star 8to a carousel 6. The carousel includes container platforms which can berotated individually with servo controls, so the bottles can be orientedin any desired way.

Three labeling units 3, 4, and 5 are arranged on the outside around theconveyance device 2. These labeling units are indicated onlyschematically. Reference number 3 indicates schematically a cold glueunit while reference number 4 indicates a hot glue unit and referencenumber 5 indicates a dispensing unit for self-stick labels.

Since one bottle may have several labels, it may in some cases also benecessary to provide multiple labeling units.

The labeled bottles 1 may be sent via a star 9 to a discharge conveyorso that the bottles can be discharged to the right.

The conveyance device 2 is equipped with a control unit 10, and thelabeling units 3, 4, and 5 are each equipped with a control unit 11, 12and 13, respectively.

Between the control unit 10 and the control units 11, 12 and 13, thereis an individual connecting line 14 a, 14 b, 14 c which may consist of amulti-strand cable, for example, which may be provided at one end or theother or even in the middle with a plug/socket.

In addition, the control unit 10 is connected to the other control units11, 12 and 13 via a network line 15. This may be, for example, ashielded cable for network applications (local networks).

FIG. 2 shows schematically the circuit for the various control units.The control unit 10 of the conveyance device is connected to variouscontrol units 11, 12 and 13 of labeling units over lines 14 a, 14 b and14 c. In addition, the control unit 10 is connected by anotherconnecting line 15 to the control units 11,12 and 13. FIG. 2 showsschematically a socket/plug combination for the respective lines to thecontrol units of the labeling units. The sockets/plugs may be assignedeither to the control unit 10 or to the control units 11, 12 or 1 83.

For connecting the labeling units to the control units 11, 12 and 13,multiple plug receptacles for the electric connections are provided onthe conveyance device 2. Cables with plugs for the control units 11, 12and 13 of the labeling units may be inserted into appropriate plugreceptacles on the conveyance device.

Thus up to six plug receptacles for up to six labeling units may beprovided on the conveyance device. A preset address information may beassigned to each plug receptacle and then issued to the correspondinglabeling unit plugged in there.

The plug connections shown separately in FIG. 2 for the lines 14 and 15may also be combined in a single plug. Each plug/socket combination mayhave one or more pins. The plug/socket combination for the lines 14 athrough 14 b is preferably designed for three pins. The line 15 may be acoaxial cable, a twisted pair cable or a similar cable suitable fornetwork applications.

The connections between the control unit and the control units 11, 12and 13 may also be wireless, i.e., via wireless connection or optical.

The method for connecting the labeling unit 3 to the conveyance device 2will now be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 a illustrates the state in which a labeling unit 3 has beenconnected with its connections to the control unit 10 of the conveyancedevice 2. The control unit 11 has identification information I which isneeded by the control unit 10. The control unit 10, however has anaddress A stored which is to be assigned to the control unit 11 of thelabeling unit.

First, the address information A, as shown in FIG. 3 b, is transmittedfrom the control unit 10 of the conveyance device to the control unit 11of the labeling unit over the connecting line 14 a. This may beaccomplished with any data protocol. Only very little information needbe transmitted here so that no special requirements need be maderegarding the transmission capacity.

The address A received by the control unit 11 is stored in this unit(see FIG. 3 c).

The address information is preferably an IP address (Internet protocol).With this help of this address A, communication between the control unit11 and the control unit 10 as well as any part of a higher-level network(e.g., production line network, company's in-house network, Internet)may take place via the connection 15.

As shown in FIG. 3 d, the identity information I of the control unit 11of the labeling unit is transmitted with the help of the stored addressinformation A to the control unit 10 of the conveyance device and may beanalyzed there.

After the control unit 10 has received the identity information I, anyinformation I′ can be exchanged between the control unit 10 and thecontrol unit 11. Information I′ can also be exchanged between thecontrol unit 11 and the remainder of the higher level network as well asthe control unit 10 and the remainder of the higher level network(remote diagnosis, remote updates, etc.) (see FIG. 3 e).

The address information A is transmitted via another connecting line asthe identity data I.

The identity data I is usually more extensive than the addressinformation A which consists of only 12 digits (IP address), whereas theidentity data I is comprised of much ,ore extensive data.

The control unit 10 of the conveyance device itself has an IP addresswith which it is possible to communicate accordingly.

1. Device having a conveyance device for conveying containers, to whichat least one labeling unit for containers may be connected, wherein atleast identification data (I) of the labeling unit (3, 4, 5) can betransmitted to the conveyance device (2).
 2. Device having a labelingunit for labeling containers, the labeling unit being connectable to aconveyance device for conveying the containers, wherein at leastidentification data (I) of the labeling unit (3, 4, 5) can betransmitted to the conveyance device (2).
 3. Device having a conveyancedevice for conveying containers, and a labeling unit connectable theretofor labeling the containers, wherein at least identification data (I) ofthe labeling unit (3, 4, 5) can be transmitted to the conveyance device(2).
 4. Device according to claims 2 or 3, wherein at least one addressinformation (A) can be transmitted from the conveyance device (2) to thelabeling unit (3, 4, 5).
 5. Device according to claims 1, 2 or 3,wherein the conveyance device (2) has a memory for several items ofaddress information which can be transmitted.
 6. Device according claims1, 2 or 3, wherein at least two different transmission devices (14, 15)are provided, and wherein one transmission device (14) is provided fortransmitting address information (a) and the other transmission deviceis provided at least for transmitting the identification data (I). 7.Device according to, claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the labeling unit (3, 4,5) has a memory for adjustable address information (A).
 8. Deviceaccording to, claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conveyance device (2) isconnected to an internal computer network.
 9. Device according to,claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the conveyance device (2) has an Internetconnection.
 10. Device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein any one ofany type of data (I′), instructions, synchronization data, informationabout a machine state, information about a label supply, a glue supply,commands, software, program modules, and any combination thereof can betransmitted in either direction between the conveyance device (2) andthe labeling unit (3, 4, 5).
 11. Method for connecting a labeling unitfor labeling containers to a conveyance device for conveying thecontainers, comprising transmitting at least identification data (I)from the labeling unit (3, 4, 5) to the conveyance device (2). 12.Method according to claim 11, wherein before transmitting theidentification data (I), transmitting address information (A) from theconveyance device (2) to the labeling unit (3, 4, 5).
 13. Methodaccording to claim 12, and the step of transmitting the identificationdata (I) and the address information (A) over various connections (14,15).
 14. Method according to claims 12 or 13, wherein after transmittingthe identification data (I), transmitting any one of any type of data(I′), instructions, synchronization data, information about a machinestate, information about a label supply, a glue supply, commands,software, program modules, and any combination thereof in eitherdirection between the conveyance device and the labeling unit. 15.Device according to claim 6, wherein the one transmission device isprovided exclusively for the address information (A).